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Metabolic syndrome in the elderly

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Abstract

The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is increasing worldwide, especially among the elderly. Due to multiple age-related physiologic mechanisms, the elderly are at increased risk of developing intra-abdominal obesity and the metabolic syndrome, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Metabolic syndrome consists of obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and renal events. With the future population dynamics, the metabolic syndrome should be emphasized among the health care field, researchers, and clinicians. Without proactive and preventative efforts, elderly patients and the health care system will likely experience an epidemic of the metabolic syndrome and the associated CVD.

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  1. Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Missouri Health Sciences Center, One Hospital Drive, MA410, DC 043.00, 65212, Columbia, MO, USA

    James Sowers MD

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  1. Matthew Bechtold MD
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  2. John Palmer DO
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  3. Joshua Valtos MD
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Bechtold, M., Palmer, J., Valtos, J. et al. Metabolic syndrome in the elderly. Curr Diab Rep 6, 64–71 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-006-0054-3

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